Cultural historian Jennifer Tosch (Black Heritage Tours/Mapping Slavery Netherlands) invites the audience to look beyond Amsterdam’s picturesque canals and merchant houses to uncover the hidden histories embedded within the cityscape. Drawing from years of research and public history work, she explores how wealth generated through colonialism and slavery shaped Amsterdam’s development and institutions, and how traces of exploitation, resistance, and Black presence remain visible today.

This will be followed by a dialogue at the Keti Koti Table: a safe space for a facilitated discussion about our personal experiences and insights linked to this shared colonial and slavery history and its impact on our society and university.  After a ritual welcome, we will enjoy a fitting breakfast, whilst a Surinamese choir sings a selection of historical songs about slavery and freedom. Your voice and story matter; together, we can bring about change!

Following the programme, there is an opportunity to join the Bigi Spikri parade towards the Oosterpark for the national commemoration and celebration, which starts at 14.00.

This event is organised by CREA and UvA's Central Diversity Office in collaboration with the Keti Koti Tafel.

Entry is free.